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Galium odoratum

Sweet Woodruff

A fast-spreading ground cover with star-like, fragrant, white flowers. Whorled leaves form a solid mat of foliage.

  • »  AKA Asperula odorata
  • »  Small, fragrant, four-petaled, white, starry flowers
  • »  Foliage emerges bright green and ages to deep green
  • »  Whorled leaves form a solid mat of foliage
  • »  One of the most popular ground covers for shady sites
  • »  Relatively quick growing
  • »  Bloom Time: May to June

9cm Potted
$8.75
10cm Potted
$9.98
1gal
$20.83
18cm Pan
$20.83
  • Category:Perennials
  • Hardiness Zone:3
  • Height:15-20 cm
  • Spread:30-40 cm
  • Bloom Color: White
Exposure
Full Shade
Partial Sun/Shade
Soil Moisture
Moist to Average
Well-drained
Growth Rate
Medium
Attributes
Fragrant
Low Maintenance
Flowering Time
Spring
Lt. Spr-Sum
Habit
Compact
Spreading
Foliage Color
Green
Landscape uses
Border/edging
Ground cover
Woodland/woods edge
Planting instructions
Container Plants
Additional Information about Galium odoratum

Native to Ontario.

When crushed, the foliage smells like sweet, freshly mown hay. A herb of ancient use, the leaves and flowers can be used to make a medicinal tea for reducing  arthritic pain.

 

Growing & Maintenance Tips for Galium odoratum

Grows best in an average to moist, well-drained soil, in partial to full shade. Has a tendency to die back or go dormant during heat and drought periods of the summer, but often revives with fresh growth in the cooler, autumn temperatures. Can be mildly invasive in optimum, growing conditions. A good companion to early, spring bulbs planted in combination or throughout.